DavidHiggs (Offline)

Hi David,

I noticed on one of your posts that you completed a vac scheme at SJ Berwin? I have mine coming up and I was just wondering:
a)impression you got of the firm
b) more importantly, what was the partner interview like? Was the case study an M&A deal? What kind of things were you asked?

I hope you don't mind me asking you, I liked SJ Berwin from my vac scheme interview and like you, I scored very highly on all the aspects of the Linklaters assessment apart from the Watson Glaser test

I would be very happy with SJ Berwin though and hopefully you can help!

Best,

Root

Hi David,

Thanks a lot! ) I am really over the moon!

I am originally from Russia but lived in the UK for just over 8 years. I finished my Russian school with 14 GCSE's (10 A's and 4 B's) and 2 last years of English School with (4 A*s, 5 As and 6 Bs). As regards A-Levels, I got 3 A's, B and D (before A* were introduced).

I have just graduated from Lancaster University with 1st Class Law degree and came the top of my year 3 years in a row out of 4. I also received many scholarships and academic awards.

I tried to gain as much legal experience as possible over the years at university. So, even as early as first year, I got myself a two-week experience in a high street law firm. The next summer I had experience in a bigger high street/Manchester firm and a marshalling experience in Manchester Crown Court. At the end of my third year I had experience in a big Manchester firm and I spent on ERASMUS Exchange in the Netherlands. Whilst I was there, I organised a charity event.

This year I had vac schemes in SJ Berwin and Addleshaw Goddard. Then I had loads of interviews on top of that and had a few offers to consider. I did not apply to Magic Circle this year on purpose, especially because last year I did not enjoy the experience in Freshfields and Slaughter & May. However, I quite enjoyed my assessment centre/interviews at Linklaters and only damned Watson Glaser Test let me down to get the job. My feedback was I aced the interviews but Watson Glaser wasn't good enough (but seriously how can it say if I can or cannot do the job).

I also worked in pharmacies for over 4 years and volunteered in the Citizens Advice Bureau to improve my CV. These experience show so many skills that on interviews I can they are supporting examples for my experiences in other law firms.

So, this is it really. If you have any more questions than please let me know.

Let me know how you getting on! I enjoy increasing my personal network.

All the best!

Erus35.

Ah nice, what did you study. I just finished uni as well and hoping to study GDL

I went to Bristol finished now though!